Guest column: Let's go to the farmers market

Would you like to be a guest columnist? Email your opinion essay, 500 words maximum, to orangecitynews@ocregister.com.

What's the best time to go to a farmers market? You guessed it. It's during the summer!

I started going to the local farmers market while I was in graduate school. Every Thursday evening, my friends and I would visit the market in downtown Redlands.

We would walk from one end of the street to the other and enjoy the sights, music, artwork and fresh food. We would sample a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables such as corn, plums, peaches and sweet peppers. Freshly picked ripe produce is juicy, delicious and very nutritious.

This week being National Farmers Market Week, let's take a closer look at some benefits of shopping at a farmers market.

Plenty of nutritious foods available

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a very good source of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Antioxidants stop the oxidation process and protect the body from damaging free radicals. They also may play a role in decreasing the risk of developing certain cancers. Phytonutrients are chemicals found in plants that protect against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Eating a large amount of bright-colored fruits and vegetables (colors of the rainbow) will ensure you are getting a healthy dose of these disease-fighting chemicals. Some fruits and vegetables that contain a good source of these nutrients are: blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, spinach, kale, oranges, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, cantaloupe, apricots, onions, cabbage and soybeans.

Supporting your community

You are supporting the local economy. By shopping at a farmers market, you are helping stimulate the economic development by generating more employment. You also are supporting local businesses, thus keeping the money within your community. The cost of the food is also kept lower since the middleman is cut out and the cost of transportation and packaging the food is minimal.

A chance to involve the kids

It is a great way to get picky eaters involved in planning the family menu. Let them sample a new food and get their help in creating a dish using that food. The kids will be intrigued to find out how the food was produced and where it originated. You can even ask the farmers for recommendations of how to prepare the food. They also may offer insight on pairing the foods with other dishes.

You're helping the environment

Farmers markets help reduce food packaging. They also help curtail the number of miles driven to deliver the food, thus decreasing vehicle pollution, noise and fuel use. You may also be encouraging farmers to improve their production practices, such as growing organic and pesticide-free produce.

Variety of foods at farmers market

Farmers markets are a one-stop shop for your family's nutrition needs. Stop by booths to pick up unusual and seasonal fruits and vegetables along with a variety of grains, dairy and proteins to build a vibrant and balanced plate.

Hopefully these reasons compel you to visit your local farmers market. Visit ocfoodies.com to find a market near you.

Hope to see you in the neighborhood. Happy shopping.

– Nilima Desai is a nutritionist who lives in Orange. She has a Master of Public Health degree and is a registered dietitian.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.